William Donato

Altamont, New York- William "Bill" Donato

Passed away on July 9th 2021 after a brief illness. Bill was married to Rita (Graffunder) Donato on September 9th 1978, until her death in 2011. Upon his marriage to Rita, Billy became dad to Rita's young daughters Rhonda and Rebecca.

In 2016, Bill was at the Altamont A- Phillips Hardware. He was unexpectedly approached by an acquaintance from years past. This acquaintance was Linda Davenpeck. Linda suggested Bill give her a call, they could go on a date. Bill in his typical wait and see approach, called Linda in 2017 for that 1st date. In October of 2018, while celebrating Linda's birthday, Bill and Linda had a commitment ceremony, becoming Life Partners. Yet again, Bills family was extended. Billy became a loving and caring go to for Linda's son Mark and her granddaughter Juliette.

Bill raised his family in Voorheesville, ultimately buying a home in Altamont, where he remained for the entirety of his life. During this time, Bill worked in the steel business and gravel pits. Bill joined the Operators Union, where he operated heavy equipment. Bill was a NYS Certified: Welder, Crane Operator and Fork Lift operator.

During his free time, Bill could be found in his "shop", where he labored on projects for enjoyment. Many of Bills brothers joined Bill in these projects. Growing out of the small shop area, Bill built a much bigger shop area. That shop became the hub of many men with many skills communing in the space. Often, long time community members would come by the shop to chat, ask questions about their projects and seek Bills wealth of knowledge in many subject matters. Bill was always happy to share his knowledge.

Billy had several interests outside of his shop. Bill was an active member of Historical Societies including: Knox, Guilderland, Schenectady and Duanesburg. Bill was a member of The Altamont Fairgrounds Board. As per Bills brother John, Bill was also an accomplished member of the Stewarts Milk Club.

Bills most loved interest, came as a young boy, learning of small gas engines with his dad, Louie Donato Sr. Bill spent every year, since he was 15, at the annual Gas Up in Schoharie N.Y. as a member of the Hudson Mohawk Chapter Pioneer Gas Engine Association Inc. Bill had several of his engines on display. In the early years, Bill had the pleasure of using "Lister" to make the shows ice cream. The gas engines led to Bill becoming the Superintendent of the Farmers Machinery at the Altamont Fair Grounds. This too, became one of Bills annual favorites during fair week. Bill will be deeply missed by the crew at the fair small engines display.

Bill loved God, attending and participating in activities at St. Johns Church in Altamont, NY. As a patriotic citizen of the U.S.A. Billy participated in parades with his engines, attended many reenactments of important historical events. Perhaps most importantly, as his civic duty he stood for the American Flag, he placed flags at the soldiers' graves and volunteered his time as an election's inspector.

In the past 4 years, doors opened for Bill. Rhonda, Rebecca and Billy's brothers will never forget how Bill's life partner Linda changed Bill's life. Thanks to Linda, Bill got into a plane for the first time. Bill was taken aback at the awe of the Grand Canyon, fascinated by the Hover Dam, and heard Gods whisper in the ocean waves. For this, we are always thankful for Linda and her love.
Bill is survived by his daughters; Rhonda Doherty (David), Rebecca Snyder (Gary). Grandchildren; Leighann (Jimmy), Steven, Stephanie, Valerie, Caroline, Isabella and Aliza Jane. Great Grandchildren; Cassidy, Tyler, Olivia and David. Siblings; Angel, John, Pete, Patrick, Gerry, and Wayne. Life Partner, Linda Davenpeck.

Bill will be welcomed into the arms of God with wife Rita, parents Louis and Mary Ellen, Brothers; Lou, Nick, Joe, Tom and grandson Derrick cheering his homecoming.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 17th 10:30 a.m. At Princetown Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 3662 Giffords Church Road, Duanesburg, NY. Following the memorial, interment services will be at Fairview Cemetery 6400 Hawes Road, Altamont, NY.